Beneficial Health Effects Research Articles

Diagnosing and engineering gut microbiomes.

The microbes, nutrients and toxins that we are exposed to can have a profound effect on the composition and function of the gut microbiome. Thousands of peer-reviewed publications link microbiome composition and function to health from the moment of birth, right through to centenarians, generating a tantalizing glimpse of what might be possible if we could intervene rationally. Nevertheless, there remain relatively few real-world examples where successful microbiome engineering leads to beneficial health effects. Here we aim to provide a framework for the progress needed to turn gut microbiome engineering from a trial-and-error approach to a rational medical intervention. The workflow starts with truly understanding and accurately diagnosing the problems that we are trying to fix, before moving on to developing technologies that can achieve the desired changes.

Modulatory L-Alliin Effect on Acute Inflammatory Cytokines in Diet-Induced Obesity Mice

Background/Objectives: The inflammatory response has evolved as a protective mechanism against pathogens and tissue damage. However, chronic inflammation can occur, potentially leading to severe disease. Low-grade chronic inflammation is associated with obesity, and the Th1 cytokine profile plays an important role in this proinflammatory environment. Diet-induced obesity (DIO) can lead to persistent dysbiosis and maintain high concentrations of circulating lipopolysaccharides (LPSs) over prolonged periods of time, resulting in metabolic endotoxemia. In this context, the study of natural immunomodulators has recently increased. Objective: The aim of this study is improve scientific evidence for the immunomodulatory role of L-Alliin in obesity and inflammation. Methods: In the present work, we describe the effect of L-Alliin on serum levels of cytokines in DIO mice after an acute inflammatory challenge. L-Alliin is the main organosulfurized molecule of garlic that has been studied for its numerous beneficial physiological effects in health and disease and is beginning to be considered a nutraceutical. Two situations are simulated in this experimental model, health and chronic, low-grade inflammation that occurs in obesity, both of which are confronted with an acute, inflammation-inducing challenge. Results: Based on our findings, L-Alliin seems to somehow stimulate the cellular chemotaxis by eliciting the release of key molecules, including IL-2, IFN-γ, TNF-α, MCP-1, IL-6, IL-9, and G-CSF. However, the molecular mechanism involved remains unknown. This, in turn, mitigates the risk of severe inflammatory symptoms by preventing the release of IL-1β and its downstream molecules such as IL-1α, GM-CSF, and RANTES. Conclusions: Taken together, these results indicate that L-Alliin can boost immunity in healthy organisms and act as an immunomodulator in low-grade inflammation.

A Comprehensive Review on Polyphenols of White Wine: Impact on Wine Quality and Potential Health Benefits

Polyphenols are associated with various beneficial health effects. These compounds are present in edible plants such as fruits and vegetables, and the human body absorbs them through the consumption of foods and beverages. Wine is recognized as a rich source of these valuable compounds, and it has been well established that polyphenols present in red wine possess numerous biologically active functions related to health promotion. Therefore, most scientific research has been focused on red wine polyphenols, whereas white wine polyphenols have been neglected. This review presents the summarized information about the most abundant polyphenols in white wines, their concentration, their impact on wine quality and their potential health effects, such as neuroprotective and cardioprotective activities, antioxidant potential, antimicrobial activity and their positive effects on lipids. These findings are an effort to help compensate for the relative lack of relevant data in the scientific literature regarding white wine polyphenols.

A Comprehensive Review of Pedunculagin: Sources, Chemistry, Biological and Pharmacological Insights

Pedunculagin is a widely abundant ellagitannin found in the plant kingdom, with a chemical structure featuring two hexahydroxydiphenoyl units linked to a glucose core. It has demonstrated various biological activities, including anti-cancer, anti-inflammatory, and anti-bacterial effects. This review aims to summarize the bioactivities, chemistry, and health-promoting properties of pedunculagin and plant preparations containing it. It is the first comprehensive summary covering pedunculagin’s chemistry, sources, metabolism, and other relevant research. The search databases were Google Scholar, EBSCO Discovery Service, REAXYS Database, SCILIT, SCOPUS, PubMed, MEDLINE, Web of Science, Wiley Online Library, Science Direct/ELSEVIER, WordCat, and Taylor and Francis Online. All the databases were methodically searched for data published from 1911 until 2024. Various biological effects were proven in vitro for pedunculagin; however, due to the limited availability of the isolated compound, they have not been so far directly confirmed on more advanced in vivo and clinical models. However, its bioactivity can be deduced from studies conducted for plant preparations containing this ellagitannin as a dominant constituent, consequently indicating beneficial health effects. Further studies are needed to determine the molecular mechanism of action following topical application as well as the contribution of gut microbiota postbiotic metabolites– urolithins–being formed following the oral ingestion of preparations containing pedunculagin.

Metabolic Effects of Medium-Chain Triacylglycerol Consumption are Preserved in Obesity.

Several health beneficial effects are associated with intake of medium-chain triacylglycerol (MCT), however, the underlying mechanisms are unknown. Furthermore, it remains uncertain whether the acute metabolic effects of MCT differ between lean individuals and individuals with obesity - and whether these effects are sustained following chronic intake. This study aimed to elucidate the postprandial physiological and metabolic effects of MCT before and after eight days intake compared to intake of energy-matched triacylglycerol consisting of long-chain fatty acids (LCT) using a randomized cross-over design in lean individuals (n=8) and individuals with obesity (n=8). The study revealed that consumption of MCT increased ketogenesis and metabolic rate, while lowering blood glucose levels over five hours. The hypoglycemic action of MCT intake was accompanied by a concomitant transient increase in plasma insulin and glucagon levels. Interestingly, the effects on ketogenesis, metabolic rate, and glycemia were preserved in individuals with obesity and sustained after eight days of daily supplementation. Lipidomic plasma analysis in lean individuals (n=4) showed that a part of the ingested MCT bypasses the liver and entered the systemic circulation as medium-chain fatty acids (MCFA). The findings suggest that MCFA, along with ketone bodies from the liver, may act as signaling molecules and/or substrates in the peripheral tissues, thereby contributing to the effects of MCT intake. In summary, these findings underscore the health benefits of MCT in metabolically compromised individuals after daily supplementation. Moreover, we uncover novel aspects of MCFA biology, providing insights into how these fatty acids orchestrate physiological effects in humans.

Fabrication, Characterization and Release Profile of Aloe Vera Extracts/PVA Composite Electrospun Nanofiber

Aloe vera is a well-known remedy that carries many beneficial health effects such as painkiller, anti-inflammatory, promote skin growth and repair. The combination of bioactive natural product of aloe vera as a drug model and polyvinyl alcohol (PVA) as the base material or carrier in the electrospinning process were studied. Smooth straight and continues electrospun fibers were collected with the Field Effect Scanning Electron Microscope (FESEM) images show no formation of bead (defect signed) in the electrospun membrane when the concentration was set at 10% w/w of PVA nanofibre. The morphological structure of the electrospun membranes shows a smooth and longitudinal fiber when aloe vera is mixed with the PVA polymer with percentage ratio of aloe vera over PVA is less than 25%. The Fourier Transform Infrared Spectroscopy (FTIR) shows no reaction between PVA and aloe vera by not showing peaks other than the initial materials. The Differential Scanning Calorimetry (DSC) proves the presence of aloin indicating the presence of aloe vera in nanofiber. The release profile of the electrospun aloe vera in PVA shows a higher initial burst release at the 50% and 70% concentration levels indicating very little control of the release or none at all. These results show the potential of aloe vera – PVA electrospun nanofibers membrane as a promising material for wound dressing and topical drug delivery.

<em>Gochujang</em> suppresses cell survival and changes reactive oxygen species metabolism in colorectal cancer cells

There is a significant global increase in colorectal cancer (CRC) among young adults. Gochujang, one of the signature Korean traditional fermented foods, contains various bioactive compounds and has multiple health-beneficial effects, including anticancer effects; however, the detailed cellular and molecular mechanisms of its anticancer outcomes are not fully understood. The objective of the present study was to investigate the detailed underlying anticancer mechanisms of Gochujang in CRC cells. Gochujang was extracted with 80% ethanol, and total polyphenol contents (9.9 ± 1.63 mgGAE/g) and total flavonoid contents (0.14 ± 0.07 mgQE/g) of Gochujang extract (GE) were evaluated. GE significantly suppressed cell viability, migration, and colony formation in CRC cells. Also, GE increased the cell cycle arrest-related protein p21 level, whereas it decreased cell cycle progression-associated proteins, such as p-Rb. Moreover, GE markedly elevated the levels of proapoptotic proteins (e.g. Bim and c-PARP), while it downregulated antiapoptotic protein expressions (e.g. Bcl-2 and Bcl-xL). GE also altered the expression of the autophagy-involved proteins. Furthermore, GE strongly reduced the expression of major antioxidant enzymes and increased the reactive oxygen species (ROS) generation in CRC cells, causing an imbalance of ROS metabolism. In conclusion, this study demonstrated that Gochujang exerts anticancer effects in CRC cells by inhibiting cell proliferation, increasing cell death, and interrupting ROS metabolism.

Associations between Circulating Biomarkers of One-Carbon Metabolism and Mitochondrial D-Loop Region Methylation Levels.

One-carbon metabolism is a critical pathway for epigenetic mechanisms. Circulating biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism have been associated with changes in nuclear DNA methylation levels in individuals affected by age-related diseases. More and more studies are showing that even mitochondrial DNA (mtDNA) could be methylated. In particular, methylation of the mitochondrial displacement (D-loop) region modulates the gene expression and replication of mtDNA and, when altered, can contribute to the development of human illnesses. However, no study until now has demonstrated an association between circulating biomarkers of one-carbon metabolism and D-loop methylation levels. In the study presented herein, we searched for associations between circulating one-carbon metabolism biomarkers, including folate, homocysteine, and vitamin B12, and the methylation levels of the D-loop region in DNA obtained from the peripheral blood of 94 elderly voluntary subjects. We observed a positive correlation between D-loop methylation and vitamin B12 (r = 0.21; p = 0.03), while no significant correlation was observed with folate (r = 0.02; p = 0.80) or homocysteine levels (r = 0.02; p = 0.82). Moreover, D-loop methylation was increased in individuals with high vitamin B12 levels compared to those with normal vitamin B12 levels (p = 0.04). This is the first study suggesting an association between vitamin B12 circulating levels and mtDNA methylation in human subjects. Given the potential implications of altered one-carbon metabolism and mitochondrial epigenetics in human diseases, a deeper understanding of their interaction could inspire novel interventions with beneficial effects for human health.

Exploring health beneficial effects of poisonous mushroom Paxillus involutus Batsch Fr.

In the present study, phenolic and flavonoid composition and biological properties of methanolic extract of wild growing Paxillus involutus collected in Serbia have been investigated. Ellagic acid was the most abundant phenolic compound (34.92 µg g−1), followed by 5-O-caffeoylquinic acid (4.51 µg g−1), whereas isoorientin was the most abundant flavonoid (3.42 µg g−1). P. involutus turned out to be a rich source of phenolic compounds (74.67 mg GAE g−1 d.w.), whereas total flavonoid content was significantly lower (4.05 mg QE g−1 d.w.). As for the various investigated biological activities, methanolic extract exerted high level of antioxidant, antimicrobial and antibiofilm activities. The highest antioxidative potential was measured by TAC (350 TE mg g−1 d.w.), whereas evaluation of antimicrobial properties showed selective antimicrobial potential toward tested pathogenic microorganisms, with resistant strain of E. coli being the most susceptible to the activity of the extract (MIC 0.08 mg mL−1, MBC 0.16 mg mL−1). Furthermore, methanolic extract of P. involutus demonstrated genotoxicity, severe hemolysis effects and selective cytotoxicity against colon cancer cells. From the obtained data, it may be concluded that investigated mushroom albeit being toxic for human consumption, may be considered as a source of highly bioactive components with potential application in drug development.

7838 Improvement of Cognition and Memory Scores in Transgender Individuals Within One Year of Initiating Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

Abstract Disclosure: C.M. Godar: None. S.C. De La Torre: None. O. Bonsu: None. M.K. Shakir: None. T.D. Hoang: None. Introduction: The use of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in transgender individuals is known to provide many beneficial health effects to reduce gender dysphoria, reduce depressive symptoms, and increase overall quality of life. Cognitive function and memory ability are known to be influenced by sex hormone levels in studies of hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women, but studies of GAHT’s effects on cognition and memory in transgender patients have been scarcely reported. We discuss a study of cognitive testing in transgender individuals before and after 12 months of gender-affirming feminizing or masculinizing hormone therapy using a validated cognitive assessment tool. Methods: A prospective study of 32 transgender patients aged 18-45 years was approved by IRB at an academic medical center. The Wechsler Memory Scale 4th edition (WMS®-IV, Pearson) was administered to 19 transgender females and 13 transgender males prior to initiation of GAHT and again after one year of GAHT use. Mean scores were analyzed and reported for five categories of cognitive and memory function: auditory memory (AMI), visual memory (VMI), visual working memory (VWMI), immediate memory (IMI), and delayed memory (DMI). Mean scores for baseline and 12-month data were analyzed for total population and male and female subgroups. Results: Baseline mean WMS-IV values for the total study population were: AMI 105 points, VMI 78 points, VWMI 107 points, IMI 88 points, DMI 91 points. Mean values after 12 months of GAHT were: AMI 120 points, VMI 81 points, VWMI 110 points, IMI 99 points, DMI 102 points. Mean percent change from baseline to 12 months was as follows: AMI 13.4%, VMI 8.9%, VWMI 2.6%, IMI 12.8%, DMI 13%. Similar patterns were noted for both gender subgroups. Discussion: It is well-known that transgender individuals are subject to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality compared to the general population. Decreased cognitive function and memory are known effects of untreated depression. Our study demonstrated that treatment of gender dysphoria with GAHT provided a tangible cognitive and memory benefit. The long-term impact of GAHT on cognition and memory is not known and deserves additional study. Limitations of this study included the absence of a cis-gender control group and inability to stratify data based on age, which may provide additional significance. Presentation: 6/2/2024

7838 Improvement of Cognition and Memory Scores in Transgender Individuals Within One Year of Initiating Gender-Affirming Hormone Therapy

Abstract Disclosure: C.M. Godar: None. S.C. De La Torre: None. O. Bonsu: None. M.K. Shakir: None. T.D. Hoang: None. Introduction: The use of gender-affirming hormone therapy (GAHT) in transgender individuals is known to provide many beneficial health effects to reduce gender dysphoria, reduce depressive symptoms, and increase overall quality of life. Cognitive function and memory ability are known to be influenced by sex hormone levels in studies of hormone replacement therapy in post-menopausal women, but studies of GAHT’s effects on cognition and memory in transgender patients have been scarcely reported. We discuss a study of cognitive testing in transgender individuals before and after 12 months of gender-affirming feminizing or masculinizing hormone therapy using a validated cognitive assessment tool. Methods: A prospective study of 32 transgender patients aged 18-45 years was approved by IRB at an academic medical center. The Wechsler Memory Scale 4th edition (WMS®-IV, Pearson) was administered to 19 transgender females and 13 transgender males prior to initiation of GAHT and again after one year of GAHT use. Mean scores were analyzed and reported for five categories of cognitive and memory function: auditory memory (AMI), visual memory (VMI), visual working memory (VWMI), immediate memory (IMI), and delayed memory (DMI). Mean scores for baseline and 12-month data were analyzed for total population and male and female subgroups. Results: Baseline mean WMS-IV values for the total study population were: AMI 105 points, VMI 78 points, VWMI 107 points, IMI 88 points, DMI 91 points. Mean values after 12 months of GAHT were: AMI 120 points, VMI 81 points, VWMI 110 points, IMI 99 points, DMI 102 points. Mean percent change from baseline to 12 months was as follows: AMI 13.4%, VMI 8.9%, VWMI 2.6%, IMI 12.8%, DMI 13%. Similar patterns were noted for both gender subgroups. Discussion: It is well-known that transgender individuals are subject to higher rates of depression, anxiety, and suicidality compared to the general population. Decreased cognitive function and memory are known effects of untreated depression. Our study demonstrated that treatment of gender dysphoria with GAHT provided a tangible cognitive and memory benefit. The long-term impact of GAHT on cognition and memory is not known and deserves additional study. Limitations of this study included the absence of a cis-gender control group and inability to stratify data based on age, which may provide additional significance. Presentation: 6/2/2024

Nicotine is an Immunosuppressant: Implications for Women's Health and Disease

A plethora of evidence supports that nicotine, the primary alkaloid in tobacco products that is generally accepted for maintaining use, is immunoregulatory and may function as an immunosuppressant. Women have unique experiences with use of nicotine-containing products and also undergo significant reproductive transitions throughout their lifespan which may be impacted by nicotine use. Within the extant literature, there is conflicting evidence that nicotine may confer beneficial health effects in specific disease states (e.g., in ulcerative colitis). Use prevalence of nicotine-containing products is exceptionally high in individuals presenting with some comorbid disease states that impact immune system health and can be a risk factor for the development of diseases which disproportionately impact women; however, the mechanisms underlying these relationships are largely unclear. Further, little is known regarding the impacts of nicotine's immunosuppressive effects on women's health during the menopausal transition, which is arguably an inflammatory event characterized by a pro-inflammatory peri-menopause period. Given that post-menopausal women are at a higher risk than men for the development of neurodegenerative diseases such as Alzheimer's disease and are also more vulnerable to negative health effects associated with diseases such as HIV-1 infection, it is important to understand how use of nicotine-containing products may impact the immune milieu in women. In this review, we define instances in which nicotine use confers immunosuppressive, anti-inflammatory, or pro-inflammatory effects in the context of comorbid disease states, and focus on how nicotine impacts neuroimmune signaling to maintain use. We posit that regardless of potential health benefits, nicotine use cessation should be a priority in the clinical care of women. The synthesis of this review demonstrates the importance of systematically defining the relationships between volitional nicotine use, immune system function, and comorbid disease states in women to better understand how nicotine impacts women's health and disease.

The beneficial health effects of puerarin in the treatment of cardiovascular diseases: from mechanisms to therapeutics.

Cardiovascular diseases (CVDs) are the leading causes of death globally that seriously threaten human health. Although novel western medicines have continued to be discovered over the past few decades to inhibit the progression of CVDs, new drug research and development for treating CVDs with less side effects and adverse reactions are continuously being desired. Puerarin is a natural product found in a variety of medicinal plants belonging to the flavonoid family with potent biological and pharmacological activities. Abundant research findings in the literature have suggested that puerarin possesses a promising prospect in treating CVDs. In recent years, numerous new molecular mechanisms of puerarin have been explored in experimental and clinical studies, providing new evidence for this plant metabolite to protect against CVDs. This article systematically introduces the history of use, bioavailability, and various dosage forms of puerarin and further summarizes recently published data on the major research advances and their underlying therapeutic mechanisms in treating CVDs. It may provide references for researchers in the fields of pharmacology, natural products, and internal medicine.

Bioavailability of Supplemented Free Oleanolic Acid and Cyclodextrin-Oleanolic Acid in Growing Pigs, and Effects on Growth Performance, Nutrient Digestibility and Plasma Metabolites.

Oleanolic acid (OLA) has beneficial health effects in animals, but in vivo efficacy in monogastric animals is questioned due to its low bioavailability. To gain further insight on the nutritional effects of OLA it was administered as part of a diet. We investigated digestibility and plasma OLA in pigs and the associated influence on growth, organs, digestibility of nutrients and plasma biochemical profile. Twenty-four crossbred barrows (23.7 ± 1.0 kg BW) were assigned one of three treatments: Control (basal diet without OLA), OLA-1 (basal diet with 260 mg/free OLA) and OLA-2 (basal diet with 260 mg/kg cyclodextrin-OLA). Diets included chromium oxide to estimate digestibility. Blood samples were collected on day 14 for OLA analysis and feces on days 22-24 for determining digestibility. Pigs were slaughtered on day 31 (39.9 ± 2.43 kg BW) and their blood collected for analysis. Growth and organ weights were not affected (p > 0.05). OLA-1 decreased apparent total tract digestibility (ATTD) of energy (p < 0.05). OLA-2 increased ATTD of dry and organic matter compared with Control pigs (p < 0.05). OLA-1 increased plasma calcium and alkaline phosphatase (p < 0.05). Ileal digestibility of OLA was not affected (0.88), although OLA ATTD increased in OLA-1 compared to Control pigs (0.75 vs. 0.82; p < 0.05). OLA-1 and OLA-2 increased plasma OLA compared to Control pigs (p < 0.05 and p = 0.083). In conclusion, although the OLA was digested and absorbed, plasma concentration was low (4.29 µg/L), and pig growth, organs and plasma parameters were not affected.

Evaluation of three ginsenoside content in raw materials and ginseng-containing supplements

Ginseng (Panax ginseng) is a traditional medicinal herb commonly used in traditional medicine. It exhibits various beneficial health effects, including tonic, antioxidant, antiinflammatory, antibacterial, cardiovascular disease prevention, anti-obesity, diabetes regulation, central nervous system modulation, and anti-cancer properties. Red ginseng, a processed form of ginseng, is noted for its enhanced pharmacological effects and reduced side effects compared to fresh ginseng. The quality of ginseng and red ginseng is largely determined by the content and ratio of three key ginsenosides: Rb1, Rg1, and Rg3. This study utilized the liquid chromatography with tandem mass spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) method to simultaneously analyze the levels of these three ginsenosides in 16 samples of raw materials extracted from ginseng or red ginseng and 55 dietary supplements containing ginseng or red ginseng extract in Vietnam. The results demonstrated significant variability in the content and ratio of the three ginsenosides across the raw material and dietary supplement samples.

Separation and identification of individual anthocyanins from the petals of some rose cultivars

Rose cultivars represent a source with potential for therapeutical applications due to the high content in bioactive phytochemicals, including phenolic derivatives and lipophilic compounds, such as carotenoids. Anthocyanins, a phenolic subclass, represent the major compounds responsible for the colors of roses. In this study, we have aimed to extract, separate, and identify the anthocyanin compounds found in the petals of 25 different rose cultivars. High performance liquid chromatography followed by electrospray ionization mass spectrometry (HPLC-ESI-MS) was used to separate, identify and quantify the individual anthocyanins. The results showed the presence of 9 anthocyanin compounds, whereas the total anthocyanin content of rose cultivars ranged from 20.267-1206.841 mg/100 g FW, from which cyanidin-caffeoyl-glucoside was the most quantitatively represented anthocianin, followed by cyanidin-glucoside and pelargonidin-glucoside. In addition to this, the antioxidant activity was applied using the established DPPH in vitro method (1403 ± 301-304 ± 37 µmol TE/g FW), as well as the total phenolic content (2600±452-208±23 mg GAE/100 g FW) and the total flavonoid content (160±23-705±49 mg QE/100 g FW). Among the evaluated cultivars, the highest content in anthocyanin was determined for the ‘Amalia’ cultivar. Between the 25 rose cultivars analyzed, the varieties ‘Amalia’, ‘Foc de tabără’, ‘Fruhrot’, and ‘First Red’ followed as being the richest in anthocyanins content and the lowest values were recorded for the varieties ‘Jimini Cricket’, ‘Cri-Cri’, ‘Fortuna’, and ‘Zburlici’. The same trend was observed for the total phenolic and total flavonoid content but also the antioxidant activity. The importance of analyzing anthocyanin content in different rose varieties came from the use of anthocyanins as natural dyes, having potential pharmaceutical ingredients that give various beneficial health effects.

Construction of biopolymer-based hydrogel beads for encapsulation, retention, and colonic delivery of tributyrin: Development of functional beverages (fortified bubble tea)

Tributyrin (TB) can be hydrolyzed into short chain fatty acids (butyric acid) in the gastrointestinal tract, which are claimed to exhibit beneficial health effects in the colon. However, digestion of tributyrin in the stomach and small intestine may promote its absorption in the upper gastrointestinal tract, thereby reducing its potential colonic health benefits. In this study, we therefore developed a novel method of encapsulating emulsified tributyrin within biopolymer-based hydrogel beads (≈ 800 μm) that were then encapsulated inside the boba beads (≈ 8–10 mm) found in bubble tea. The hydrogel beads were designed to retain and protect the tributyrin under upper gastrointestinal tract (GIT) conditions, but then release it within the colon. The concentration of tributyrin within the boba beads was 33.3 mg/g, which is above the value reported to exhibit health benefits. The morphology, encapsulation properties, water holding capacity, stability, and swelling properties of the tributyrin-loaded boba beads were characterized. Tapioca-based beads exhibited a larger degree of swelling when incubated in water for 12h (>95 %), whereas agar-based beads did not (< 20 %). In addition, the potential gastrointestinal fate of both free and encapsulated tributyrin oil droplets was assessed using an in vitro digestion model. The free tributyrin oil droplets were almost completely hydrolyzed (103.2 %) by the end of the small intestine phase, whereas the tributyrin oil droplets encapsulated within the agar-based (29.4 %) or tapioca-based (40.3 %) boba beads were much more resistant to digestion. The tapioca-based beads were partially broken down as they passed through the simulated GIT, while the agar-based beads maintained their structural integrity. The tapioca-based beads were gradually broken down as they passed through the simulated GIT, while the agar-based ones maintained their structural integrity. Agar beads were also harder, more resilient, and chewier than the tapioca ones. Both types of boba beads tended to swell and disintegrate when heated to high temperatures (90 °C), with the effect being more pronounced for the agar beads. Overall, our results suggest that the agar-based boba beads had greater potential for the delivery of tributyrin to the colon than the tapioca-based ones. The recent popularity of bubble tea means that it may be a suitable vehicle for delivering bioactive food components, like functional lipids, vitamins, nutraceuticals, or probiotics.

Evaluation of the influence of temperature and time exposure on Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii) flour samples through NIR spectroscopy and chemometrics

In this study, the three most known varieties of the Peruvian Maca (Lepidium meyenii), yellow, red, and black, were fractionated in multiple sub-samples and submitted to heating (from 25 to 200 °C) during one hour at 10-minute intervals to be measured using the near-infrared (NIR) spectroscopy after 24 h resting in a desiccator. The study focused on changes related to heating for considering new applications on Maca-enriched food products such as bread, cakes, and cookies, which are prepared over high temperatures during different time exposures. To perform the experiment, 9 portions of 1 g of each sample remained in an oven at each temperature (25, 50, 100, 150, 160, 170, 180, 190, and 200 °C) for different times (10, 20, 30, 40, 50, and 60 min). The principal component analysis (PCA) and the multivariate curve resolution with alternating least squares (MCR-ALS) were applied to interpret the results. In general, it was observed that spectral variations start to occur from heating samples from above 100 °C. The recovered signals indicated that most spectral variations occurred in regions assigned to NH vibrations, suggesting that heating influences the protein and/or macamides structures, which are responsible for most of the properties attributed to the Peruvian Maca. The yellow Maca phenotype was the most susceptible to spectral variations after heating, while the black Maca displayed the slowest spectral transformations. This study may encourage deeper investigations into the use of Maca-derived foods regarding their health-beneficial effects after heating to indicate the limitations of Maca applications.

Nutrition and health effects of pectin: A systematic scoping review of human intervention studies.

Pectin is composed of a group of complex polysaccharides that are naturally found in various plants and are associated with a range of beneficial health effects. Health outcomes from dietary pectin can vary depending on botanical origin, dietary dose and structure of pectin. The objective of this scoping review is to build a comprehensive overview of the current evidence available on intervention studies conducted in humans and to better understand the possible knowledge gaps in terms of structure-function relationships across the different health-related effects. PubMed and Embase databases were searched using PRISMA-ScR guidelines, yielding 141 references (from the initial 3704), representing 134 intervention studies performed between 1961 and 2022 that met inclusion criteria. Studies were divided into six categories, which included gut health, glycaemic response and appetite, fat metabolism, bioavailability of micronutrients, immune response and other topics. Review of these human intervention studies identified a variety of cohort characteristics and populations (life stage, health status, country), sources/types of pectin (i.e. citrus, sugarbeet, apple, other and non-defined), intervention timeframes (from one single intake to 168 d) and doses (0.1-50 g/d) that were tested for health outcomes in people. Gut health, post-prandial glucose regulation and maintenance of blood cholesterol represented the largest categories of studied outcomes. Further research to strengthen the structure-function relationships for pectin with health properties and associated outcomes is warranted and will benefit from a more precise description of physico-chemical characteristics and molecular compositions, such as degree of esterification, weight, degree of branching, viscosity, gel formation and solubility.

Beneficial Effects of Tyrosol and Oleocanthal from Extra Virgin Olive Oil on Liver Health: Insights into Their Mechanisms of Action.

The Mediterranean diet and consumption of EVOO are associated with multiple beneficial effects for human health, e.g. reduction in cardiovascular risk and mortality, improvement in the lipid profile, and the prevention of chronic diseases, such as cancers and neurodegenerative diseases. In EVOO, more than 30 different phenolic-derived compounds have been identified, representing one of the most promising bioactive classes in olive oil. This review explores the hepatoprotective properties of two of these compounds, tyrosol and oleocanthal, focusing on their mechanisms of action. Recent studies have shown that these compounds, which share a similar chemical structure with a hydroxyl group attached to an aromatic hydrocarbon ring, can potentially mitigate chronic liver diseases, such as MASLD and liver fibrosis, as well as their progression to liver cancer. Consequently, they deserve attention for future pharmacological drug development. In vitro and in vivo studies have suggested that these compounds exert these effects through the regulation of cellular pathways involved in antioxidant response, lipid metabolism, transcription factor activity, and NF-κB signaling. Understanding the mechanisms underlying the hepatoprotective properties of tyrosol and oleocanthal may provide valuable information for the development of therapeutic agents based on their chemical structures capable of targeting chronic liver diseases.